East Meadow Honors Veterans

In observance of Veterans Day, students in the district honored and thanked veterans for their service on Nov. 9.

Bowling Green Elementary School students paid homage to those who have fought for the country by planting a sea of miniature American flags, provided to every student and faculty member courtesy of the PTA, on the school’s front lawn.

Across the district at W.T. Clarke Middle School and East Meadow High School, students listened to veterans speak about patriotism and acts of service to the nation. The middle schoolers heard from Vietnam veterans, who shared their experiences and discussed hardships of the war such as the extreme weather conditions of steaming temperatures and monsoons. The speakers gave students a firsthand glimpse into the war by circulating authentic materials such as soldiers’ helmets and vests, books, photo albums and enemy equipment.

Sophomores at East Meadow High School attended Veterans Day presentations held by U.S. Army veteran Joshua Rivera, who discussed his 15-month tour in Iraq. A graduate of East Meadow High School, Rivera shared childhood experiences, explained why he enlisted in the military, and educated students about his uniform while demonstrating how to properly wear a gas mask.

In turn, the students expressed their gratitude to the veterans for serving the country and devoting their lives to protecting the freedoms of the United States.